The Assistant Director for Aquatics is responsible for the design, direction, management and evaluation of the aquatics complex and programs. This includes overall facility oversight, aquatics programs, pool rentals, special events, certification classes, lessons and custom programming. Responsibilities include personnel management, financial management, guest relations, facility management, planning and design of programs and services, safety and risk management. The Assistant Director provides tactical and operational leadership designed to achieve the Campus Recreation vision. The position requires representation of the Department of Campus Recreation in a fair, consistent, cooperative and positive manner in accordance with Department and University policy. The position reports to the Associate Director for Programs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide tactical and operational leadership for the Aquatics program designed to achieve the Campus Recreation vision. Programs include First Aid and CPR classes, lifeguard training, WSI, swim lessons, swim clinics, learn to swim program and various special events. This may require to lead safety related classes to the university community.
Responsible for the effective management and oversight of program offerings and facility spaces and achieves exceptional quality, stewardship and accountability.
Plan semester / annual program mix and slate of offerings designed to achieve the vision for Aquatics programs while meeting UA community needs. Work through subordinate staff to ensure curriculum design is consistent with best practices and industry standards.
Collaborate with department staff to ensure facility spaces are maintained as needed to meet industry standards for programmatic use.
Create the annual budget submission for review and approval. Manage the program according to approved budget, carrying out best practices in financial stewardship.
Staff supervision including hiring, training, scheduling, feedback, evaluations, payroll and disciplinary processes for benefited, ancillary, student and volunteer staff. Direct supervision of student staff, and potentially one professional staff, as well indirect supervision of independent contractors. The development and engagement of student staff is an emphasis.
Develop for review and approval any pertinent program area policies, procedures, processes and training / operations manuals.
Develop or update necessary emergency procedures, safety practices and risk management processes. This includes facility inspections, logs and staff training and development.
Coordinate with both Campus Recreation and Facilities Management maintenance staff to maintain safe and effective facility, pool, pump room and chemical operations.
Develop marketing strategies, publicity strategies and pricing structures. Collaborate with department marketing staff and/or outside agencies as appropriate to implement strategies. Conduct outreach efforts in order to increase awareness and visibility of the program.
Ensure the highest possible level of customer service in order to provide exceptional experiences through Aquatics programs.
Develop, in collaboration with department staff, appropriate program assessment tools to assess market needs and interests, participant satisfaction and overall program feedback. Report on results, including strategies for process improvement.
Execute equipment and supply purchasing within budgetary parameters according to UA policies.
Inventory and maintain all equipment and supplies to ensure quality, safety and security.
Provide ongoing, semester and annual updates on pertinent measures of success, including participation, assessment data, and financial status and area happenings.
Develop and maintain relationships with Campus Recreation, the University of Arizona and Tucson community as necessary to achieve program success, collaborations and partnerships.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with current and potential participants and alumni in order to maximize program success.
Ensure proficiency in Campus Recreation and University of Arizona policies, procedures and processes.
Engage in Campus Recreation, University of Arizona and pertinent industry training and development opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in recreation, higher education, exercise science, public health, health promotions or a related field.
Three years relevant professional oversight for aquatics programs and facilities. *
Two-three years of staff supervision experience.*
Demonstrated experience with program development, marketing, financial management, safety and risk management.
Experience with collaborative programming and the ability to form positive relationships.
Must currently hold or obtain within the first six months of hire date the following certifications:
Lifeguard
CPR/PR, AED, and First Aid
Blood Borne Pathogens
Certified Pool Operator/Aquatic Facility Operator
Water Safety Instructor
Lifeguard Instructor
* Two years of graduate assistant experience equals one year of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Water Safety Instructor Trainer certification
Lifeguard Instructor Trainer
Certified Pool Operator instructor training certification and/or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire
***The University of Arizona will be hosting an informational session for the Assistant Director- Aquatics at NIRSA National Conference in Boston, Massachusetts and Region III Student Lead On Conference in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The information sessions will be conducted by Troy Vaughn, Director of Campus Recreation.
For more information about this position or setting up a meeting with Troy Vaughn at the NIRSA Annual Conference or Region III Student Lead On Conference please contact Natalie O’Farrell, Associate Director-Programs at nfreeland@email.arizona.edu